Supporting Stress Naturally

Stress: It is something that we will come in contact with at some point, whether acute or chronic. The stress response can deplete the body of essential nutrients.

Rather than remove the stressor, which is often unrealistic, we help to manage stress by keeping the body's micronutrients in balance.

Here are my Top 7 Supplements/tinctures/elixirs to be used during times with heightened stress (in no particular order) followed by 3 cortisol lowering herbal teas

Bach's Flowers

​This combination of flowers can be taken daily or in acute situations. Bachs flowers use the energetic imprint of flowers 
When used in combination with deep breathing and meditation this has potential to greatly reduce stress and anxiety. 

Bach Flower Remedies

B Vitamins

B vitamins are also known as 'anti-stress nutrients.' B vitamins are depleted in much of the population including those under chronic stress, and those who are taking hormonal birth control and other prescription medications. If you fall under any of these categories, it is a good idea to be supplementing with a good quality B vitamin each morning. You may notice your energy levels improve. Don't be put off by the electric yellow color of your pee!

Omega 3

Omega 3's are anti-inflammatory and help to support the adrenals. They also are correlated with lower levels of cortisol in the body. 

Calcium Magnesium 2:1

These water soluble minerals can be depleted quickly during times of stress. A sign of deficiency is cravings for sweet and salty foods- I know I am deficient in magnesium when I become a chocolate monster. 

Vitamin C

How many times have you drank a glass of orange juice because you feel a cold coming on? Or chugged some "emergen-C?" These are not the best method of delivery of vitamin C to your body. First of all, oranges are mucous forming, which you usually want to avoid if you feel a cold coming on. Emergen-C has "dried cane sugar syrup, fructose and maltodextrin" all of which can spike your bloodsugar leading to crashes. Instead, eat whole foods like colorful veggies and fruit in moderation to obtain vitamin C. If you do not have access to good quality organic foods, consider supplementing Vitamin C during times of stress.

Vitamin D

Sunlight is healing. 

In small amounts (15 mintutes exposure to the sun with no sunscreen), sunlight helps with our physical and mental state. 

If we live in a cloudy or dark climate during the winter months, it is a good idea to supplement vitamin D at a dose of at least 2000 IU/day. 

Chaga, Reishi & Cordyceps Mushrooms

Each of these mushrooms has their own special properties. They also work to support the immune system which can become depleted during stressful times. Read more about these mushrooms and check out some yummy elixirs at Four Sigmatic:

Four Sigmatic Website

---

Herbal Teas

Tulsi/ Holy Basil

Tulsi tea is known to lower cortisol levels. Because it supports the adrenals, it also helps to control blood sugar levels and increase energy. It has a very mild taste and can be consumed with a lemon/lime for added flavor. 

Passionflower 

TAlthough it is unclear exactly the role passionflower has on cortisol, it increases the production of GABA, a neurotransmitter that is responsible for calming the mind. Passionflower is best taken before bed to promote a restful sleep, it helps with sedation and reduces anxiety. The flavor is earthy and grassy and can be combined with other calming teas like chamomile and lemonbalm for a smoother taste. 

Rooibos

Two compounds found in Rooibos interfere with the production of cortisol. Rooibos has a bold tangy flavor. 

Check out my other post on Stress, Millennials & burnout on my Travel & Lifestyle Tips tab:

A Millennials Guide to Coping with Stress